TODAY IS…

a terrific day for a walk.

“…for we walk by faith, not by sight…” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NASB

If we were to observe a blind individual walking with the aid of a service dog, we would see someone moving through life with no fear because he or she knows they can trust their highly trained animal in all circumstances. There is no hesitation in movement and they move fearlessly forward guided only by their trust in the dog. While they cannot see the dog, they can hold on tightly to the special handle, but if they were to let go, they would have 100% confidence that the dog would remain at their side and be there for them instantly.

So it is with God and faith.

We all know that we are required to have faith in God and walk consistently forward in that faith with no hesitation and no fear. It is true that this may seem a little more difficult than the challenge facing someone who is sightless. After all, they can feel the dog, they can call out to the dog and hear and sense a response, and the dog leaves no movement open to question. When it is not safe to proceed, the dog stops. When it is safe, the dog moves. When there is an obstacle, the dog will guide the person to a path that safely avoids the obstacle.

Sounds considerably more clear cut and definitive than walking by faith, doesn’t it?

But is it really that much different?

When a sightless individual first depends upon a dog for guidance on streets that once held danger, it is safe to assume that there is some initial trepidation. It is only natural to be a little timid at first. But as the relationship between the two grows, and they become familiar with one another, confidence builds.

And so it is as we walk by faith toward the future God has planned for us. As we walk, we know God is with us every step of the way. As we pray and read the Bible, our relationship gets stronger and we grow more confident and trusting. We learn that God will forewarn us of dangers if we only listen. We learn that God will guide us around obstacles that are in our path if we only trust in Him.

Walking by faith does not need to be scary at all. It just takes a little getting used to, and it just takes a little practice. But in time, we will find ourselves walking confidently through life knowing God guides our every step.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson